LPG Booking Rules: Govt Likely To Revise System From May 1; Focus On Price Revision, OTP Delivery | Details

With the month of May approaching, changes are expected in LPG cylinder booking rules amid ongoing disruptions in the global energy market. The conflict in the Middle East, which began in late February, has crippled the global energy sector, leading to supply shortages, delivery delays, and price increases.

This situation has forced many countries, including India, to enact significant regulations to address the crisis of LPG supply shortages. While the conflict in the Middle East is still ongoing, several changes related to gas cylinders are expected in May 2026.

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Possible Changes in LPG Rules

Reports suggest that LPG prices may be revised from May 1. Following the Iran-US tensions, oil companies have already increased the price of a 14.2-kg domestic cylinder by Rs 60. Meanwhile, the 19-kg commercial cylinder has seen multiple hikes within a short span. In April 2026 alone, prices in metro cities rose by Rs 196 to Rs 218, after earlier increases in March.

Supply and Government Measures

Additionally, companies are expected to change the lock-in period for booking LPG cylinders, which is currently 25 days. The OTP-based delivery system is also expected to be made permanent.

According to the latest government update, despite the current geopolitical situation, the government has ensured 100 per cent supply of domestic LPG, domestic PNG, and CNG. Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased by nearly 98 per cent, while deliveries based on delivery authentication codes to prevent misuse have increased by nearly 94 per cent.

For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals and educational institutions. Furthermore, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, steel, automobiles, seeds, agriculture, and others have also been prioritised. Additionally, the supply of 5 kg of LPG to migrant workers has been doubled.

Current Booking Rules

As per the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, reforms have already been implemented to streamline supply and demand. The booking interval has been increased to 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions, alongside efforts to boost refinery output.

Aadhaar Authentication and PNG Push

The government has made Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. According to the new directives, the ministry has clarified that eKYC is required for LPG consumers who have not yet completed eKYC.

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Gas cylinder connection will be disconnected after 3 months

Amid disruptions in oil and gas supplies, the government has prioritised the transition from LPG to PNG. Commercial LPG consumers living in large cities and urban areas are being encouraged to obtain PNG connections. They can apply via email, letter, or through the customer portals of city gas distribution companies.

It is also important to note that the government has already prohibited PNG consumers from surrendering their domestic LPG connections and also barred them from applying for new LPG connections.